Engine Block Heater

[B767Driver]

I have a bad plug on an engine block heater. I took a multimeter and basically isolated it to the plug.

I've reread FAR Part 43 and have a question...as I didn't find my answer.

Can I go to the hardware store and buy a new plug for the heater? Is thhe heater considered an appliance? This repair is not listed under Preventative Maintenance. I'm not sure it's part of the type certificate data sheet.

My basic question...does an authorized mechanic need to perform this repair under FAR Part 43? Does the new plug have to be a TSO'd part? Or is this similar to installing and removing the oil cooler winterization plate?

(My mechanic is out of town.)

[trafficinsight]

Originally Posted by B767Driver

I have a bad plug on an engine block heater. I took a multimeter and basically isolated it to the plug.

I've reread FAR Part 43 and have a question...as I didn't find my answer.

Can I go to the hardware store and buy a new plug for the heater? Is the heater considered an appliance? This repair is not listed under Preventative Maintenance. I'm not sure it's part of the type certificate data sheet.

My basic question...does an authorized mechanic need to perform this repair under FAR Part 43? Does the new plug have to be a TSO'd part? Or is this similar to installing and removing the oil cooler winterization plate?

(My mechanic is out of town.)

Yes, you need a mechanic, and an approved part.

You do have the option of going and getting the plug, then asking your mechanic to approve it as an owner-produced part but to be honest with you, it's not likely that a mechanic will do that. Your best chance is being able to prove that the plug is rated to the same or better specifications as the original. You may be able to get some guidance from the manufacturer of the heater where to get the part, or if there is an equivalent replacement, but thanks to liability, that isn't likely either and you'll probably end up buying it from them.

The rule with preventative maintenance is that if it's not specifically listed as preventative maintenance, it's not.

As far as your other questions, anything attached to the airframe or engine is an appliance. You wont find it in the TCDS because it most likely was not included with the original airplane. You should have, however, a copy of the Supplemental Type Certificate in the aircraft records. This should include instructions for continued airworthiness, you might get more information from that. If you don't have this paperwork in there you have another problem.

Good luck

[B767Driver]

Thanks for the reply! That's what I thought as well.

One of my partners was trying to convince me that it wasn't covered by Part 43 maintenance. I wasn't quite buying into it...but he was compelling.

[B767Driver]

Here's another question. In regards to Piper's oil cooler winterization plate. Does a mechanic need to perform this operation or do the regs give a certified pilot this ability? I don't see it under prev maint.

[trafficinsight]

Unfortunately, since it's not specifically listed in 43 appendix A as preventative maintenance, then yes, you do need a mechanic to install it and make a logbook entry... silly isn't it?

That's my take on it... then again... I live in California... I've only ever seen one winterization plate and it wasn't installed